Tuesday, January 20, 2015

American Sniper

I had an opportunity to watch the film American Sniper tonight. I had to watch it tonight because the Facebook feed was blowing up with too much info about the movie and even though I knew how it would end, I was curious to see how Clint Eastwood and Bradley Cooper would interpret the story. I prefer to see movies without any spin. I LOVE movies! If music didn’t dominate my life’s work I’d probably have pursued film in some way.

So anyway, if you care what I think, here’s my take away from the movie. I enjoyed it as I’ve enjoyed pretty much all of Mr. Eastwood’s work. I was a little surprised and disappointed. After what I’d read on my FB feed, I expected to either be gathering grenades and ammo to go blow up Middle Easterners or criticizing the propaganda aspect of the movie and staking out Michael Moore’s house! Sorry, for a moment I forgot that we are in the 21st century; DON’T BELIEVE ANYTHING YOU READ ON THE INTERNET, IT’S ALL PROPAGANDA!

My take away was the psychological, physical and spiritual wear and tear that all war takes on a human. Bradley Cooper is outstanding! Our “hard-wired” desire for justice and fairness. The duality that’s instilled in those that protect our country and have families. War sucks. I should say Real War Sucks. John Wayne war is awesome. Apocalypse Now is one of my favorite movies. Real humans losing their lives for any cause or belief is a terrible, terrible reality of the human existence. Lest you want to start blasting me (actually, go ahead, I can use the traffic), I have no public opinion on politics, religion or ice cream flavors. I’m simply saying War Sucks, Bad People Are Bad, Good People Are Good and God’s Got It!

Here’s what I didn’t get from this movie; an added appreciation for our troops - I already have the utmost respect for them, my father was a vet, my cousin was a vet and one of my oldest and best friends was a Marine sniper. I’m extremely grateful for the freedom and safety that they provide. I didn’t gain a different insight on terrorists - I already believe that terrorists are opportunistic cowards who co-opt religion to manipulate people to do their dirty work.

At the end of the day, I’ll say what I say to my friends; “it’s a movie, based on a true story and that means the mission statement of the project is ENTERTAINMENT (and $$$ shhhhhh).”

I really enjoyed the film, it will be hard for loved ones of veterans and those currently serving in hostile areas to watch. I imagine that it will be difficult for those who have served to watch. I feel a degree of guilt watching it as a movie and being entertained, knowing that for some, who have experienced it, it’s not a “popcorn event”. I give it 2 thumbs up or 5 stars or whatever is the current top rating.

I’ll say this too; Terrorism is the school yard bully of the global stage, their strength is through fear, just like a bully. If the good people of the earth are together the bully loses steam and is easier to defeat. Oh yeah, and Hate Never Wins;)